Course Overview

The BSc Mathematics for Finance degree course gives students the opportunity to focus on Mathematics for Finance in addition to the general range of mathematical material that you will cover.

The course gives you the chance to explore and understand the number theory that Pythagoras studied, the Financial Mathematics that the highest flyers on Wall Street rely on, and a wealth of other topics reflecting the teaching team’s research expertise in probability, analysis, nonlinear partial differential equations, noncommutative geometry and algebraic topology.

This programme will meet the educational requirements of the Chartered Mathematician designation, awarded by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, when it is followed by subsequent training and experience in employment to obtain equivalent competences to those specified by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for taught masters degrees.

Welsh Baccalaureate: Requirements are as for A levels where you can substitute the same non-subject specific grade for the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Level Core Grade.

BTEC: DDD plus grade B in A Level Mathematics.

Scottish Highers: ABBBC plus grade B in Mathematics.

Access to HE (Science): Pass with Distinction (to include 24 Dist, 15 Merits and 6 Passes) including 18 in Maths.

International Baccalaureate: 34-32 to include 6 in Higher Level Mathematics.

IELTS 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component) or equivalent English test.

All applications will be considered on an individual basis, and we will look at the whole application when deciding whether to make an offer of a place, including: the balance, nature and quality of A-level, AS and GCSE subjects (or equivalent); personal statement and referee’s comments.

General Studies and Key Skills qualifications are normally excluded from our offers.

International students: please visit our International pages for information on entry requirements for your country: Africa, South Asia, East Asia, Europe and Russia, Middle East, North America, South America, South East Asia. If your country is not listed within these regions, please contact international-science@swansea.ac.uk

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.
To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's
scholarships and bursaries page.

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutor-led tutorials and regular (non-assessed) coursework. The final year modules are more student-centred, to reflect a progression in teaching methods appropriate to the subjects taught. Throughout, the learner is encouraged to undertake independent reading both to supplement and consolidate what is being taught/learnt and to broaden knowledge and understanding of the subject.

You will be assessed through a combination of unseen written examinations, set assignments, presentations and a dissertation.

"Further to my studies at Swansea University as a Master of Science graduate in Financial Mathematics, I am currently working at Deutsche Bank in London as part of the Structured Financial Services team providing client services for corporate lending and debt portfolios. The complex nature of the course has helped me become a logical decision maker and a highly skilled problem solver. These transferable skills are very useful in the world of Finance since the role is highly challenging working towards deadlines and structured transaction targets. My studies at Swansea University have also enriched me with leadership, motivational skills and have enhanced my communication skills. I work in a close team of 10 people within a large department which encourages a culture that strives towards learning and effective teamwork. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Swansea University and cherish the many fond memories. I am so pleased to be expanding my horizon within a major financial centre."

The Aubrey Truman Reading Room, located in the centre of the Department of Mathematics, houses the departmental library and computers for student use. It is a popular venue for students to work independently on the regular example sheets set by their lecturers, and to discuss Mathematics together.

The ability to think rationally and to process data clearly and accurately are highly valued by employers. Mathematics graduates earn on average 50% more than most other graduates. The most popular areas are the actuarial profession, the financial sector, IT, computer programming and systems administration, and opportunities within business and industry where employers need mathematicians for research and development, statistically analysis, marketing and sales.

Some of our students have been employed by AXA, BA, Deutsche Bank, Shell Research, Health Authorities and Local Government. Teaching is another area where maths graduates will find plenty of career opportunities. There is also the option to study further for a higher degree.

Every year we survey our recent graduates to ascertain their employment status. The data is more commonly known as the Graduate Destinations Survey and is reported to HESA (the Higher Education Statistics Authority). Here are some examples of job titles from the recent survey:

Studying Mathematics at Swansea University

A variety of modules can be studied with a Welsh medium component taking the form of weekly small-group tutorials. There are also extensive teaching resources available for calculus and geometry and final year students can have their project supervision through the medium of Welsh. Welsh medium UCAS interviews are available for applicants - please request this when booking a Visit Day with us. For more information, please contact Kristian Evans.